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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
It’s been thirteen years since Director Peter Jackson first took us to middle earth and showed movie
audiences that large scale fantasy could be done right on film with The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. And
now the final trek through middle earth is here with the third and final film in the Hobbit series.
Picking up at the climatic conclusion of 2013’s The Desolation of Smaug, The Battle of the Five Armies is
less about the journey and more about the war between the various armies of middles earth over the
massive riches in the mountain home they journeyed to reclaim. After the exciting beginning that serves
to tie up the previous film and sets to table for this one, we begin to see the brotherhood between the
dwarfs, a wizard, a few elves and a Hobbit that focuses on the bonds of friendship and loyalty. This
builds on itself as it leads to the climactic battle of the five armies. The battle is on the grand scale you
would come to expect from these middle earth films, only at times this battle seems to rely on a bit too
much CGI and thus almost plays out cartoonish. Granted, this is a fantasy world were Dwarfs, Elves and
Men are fighting Orcs so it is really not that hard to suspend disbelief in the first place. Thus the film is
entertaining in its own right as it wraps up one trilogy and bridges to another.
This bridge is what surprised me most. We received a bit more insight to some of the higher beings and
their understanding that villain in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is slowly returning to power. These
sequences are entertaining and great for fan service, but they seem to be handled a bit to simply as it
makes us wonder, if they knew this dark figure was alive, why did they wait so long (The Lord of the
Rings Trilogy) to do something about it. Still, it is nice to see the story wrapped up into one complete
adventure that viewer could connect all the way through.
In the end, those fans of the books and previous films will be pleased with the action, pace and way this
film wraps everything up. Other than the sequence of Bilbo’s interaction with Smaug in the last film, The
Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the best film in the Hobbit Series.
audiences that large scale fantasy could be done right on film with The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. And
now the final trek through middle earth is here with the third and final film in the Hobbit series.
Picking up at the climatic conclusion of 2013’s The Desolation of Smaug, The Battle of the Five Armies is
less about the journey and more about the war between the various armies of middles earth over the
massive riches in the mountain home they journeyed to reclaim. After the exciting beginning that serves
to tie up the previous film and sets to table for this one, we begin to see the brotherhood between the
dwarfs, a wizard, a few elves and a Hobbit that focuses on the bonds of friendship and loyalty. This
builds on itself as it leads to the climactic battle of the five armies. The battle is on the grand scale you
would come to expect from these middle earth films, only at times this battle seems to rely on a bit too
much CGI and thus almost plays out cartoonish. Granted, this is a fantasy world were Dwarfs, Elves and
Men are fighting Orcs so it is really not that hard to suspend disbelief in the first place. Thus the film is
entertaining in its own right as it wraps up one trilogy and bridges to another.
This bridge is what surprised me most. We received a bit more insight to some of the higher beings and
their understanding that villain in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is slowly returning to power. These
sequences are entertaining and great for fan service, but they seem to be handled a bit to simply as it
makes us wonder, if they knew this dark figure was alive, why did they wait so long (The Lord of the
Rings Trilogy) to do something about it. Still, it is nice to see the story wrapped up into one complete
adventure that viewer could connect all the way through.
In the end, those fans of the books and previous films will be pleased with the action, pace and way this
film wraps everything up. Other than the sequence of Bilbo’s interaction with Smaug in the last film, The
Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the best film in the Hobbit Series.
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Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Cuckoo in Books
Jun 24, 2019
Sorry I haven't been writing any reviews for a while. Life's a little all over the place right now.
This was one of the books I picked up from the library without knowing anything about it, so I was pretty excited to read it. It was definitely different to what I expected; it's written in "episodes" but not quite like a script. It's more detailed and less firmly structured, but is from the point of view of the audience of the episodes (not any of the characters in the actual scene). The episodes are also acted by different people, who aren't necessarily the actual characters. This was really interesting; it made it more like a 'show' that Jake was putting on, but did get a bit confusing.
It was definitely a good book. I enjoyed reading it and was interested to discover what happened next. I quite liked Jake as a character, although he did come across as a little overdramatic. (Maybe I'm being harsh by saying this, but did he really need to run away from home and cause such a fuss?) I understand how the author is perhaps trying to convey the message that even actors and "successful" people have problems, but I just wasn't feeling it. I don't know. Maybe a different issue should have been explored.
The story is basically Jake's web-series after the soap "Market Square" is cancelled. After losing his job and income, his family is forced to move into a small flat. Jake can't cope, especially with his disabled brother and his father who's going through a bit of a mental breakdown, and so hops from one friends' house to another. Somehow this leads to his best friend hating him, and he continues to be bitter through the comments of the web-series.
Quick side note: The comments are a good touch, but felt really fake. I liked having the 'real-time' dialogue, but the messages didn't sound genuine/authentic at all to me.
Anyway, Jake ends up in some old woman's house, who turns out to have been a director. He helps bring her out of her extreme dementia, and in return she allows him to live with her.
It all seemed a bit too much, too extreme, for what it was. Jake ends up homeless at one point, and his friend is still being all grumpy at him and it just seemed a bit off to me. But I don't know, I might just be being way too harsh. Despite that, I did enjoy reading it. 3.5 stars.
This was one of the books I picked up from the library without knowing anything about it, so I was pretty excited to read it. It was definitely different to what I expected; it's written in "episodes" but not quite like a script. It's more detailed and less firmly structured, but is from the point of view of the audience of the episodes (not any of the characters in the actual scene). The episodes are also acted by different people, who aren't necessarily the actual characters. This was really interesting; it made it more like a 'show' that Jake was putting on, but did get a bit confusing.
It was definitely a good book. I enjoyed reading it and was interested to discover what happened next. I quite liked Jake as a character, although he did come across as a little overdramatic. (Maybe I'm being harsh by saying this, but did he really need to run away from home and cause such a fuss?) I understand how the author is perhaps trying to convey the message that even actors and "successful" people have problems, but I just wasn't feeling it. I don't know. Maybe a different issue should have been explored.
The story is basically Jake's web-series after the soap "Market Square" is cancelled. After losing his job and income, his family is forced to move into a small flat. Jake can't cope, especially with his disabled brother and his father who's going through a bit of a mental breakdown, and so hops from one friends' house to another. Somehow this leads to his best friend hating him, and he continues to be bitter through the comments of the web-series.
Quick side note: The comments are a good touch, but felt really fake. I liked having the 'real-time' dialogue, but the messages didn't sound genuine/authentic at all to me.
Anyway, Jake ends up in some old woman's house, who turns out to have been a director. He helps bring her out of her extreme dementia, and in return she allows him to live with her.
It all seemed a bit too much, too extreme, for what it was. Jake ends up homeless at one point, and his friend is still being all grumpy at him and it just seemed a bit off to me. But I don't know, I might just be being way too harsh. Despite that, I did enjoy reading it. 3.5 stars.
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Merissa (13696 KP) rated Daddy Protector (Night Ops Daddies #1) in Books
Sep 2, 2025
DADDY PROTECTOR is the first book in the Night Ops Daddies series, and trust me, there's not a snowball's chance in hell you will forget the name of the series.
You know when a blurb grabs you, like really grabs you, and you can't wait to read the book? That was this one for me. Well, it didn't turn out as I expected...
Okay, first things first. I was confused within the first couple of pages when Cole (Daddy MC) meets up with Hunter and gets arm-twisted into looking after Hunter's son, Richie (Little MC). Hunter? Who's that? The blurb says his name is Mitch! In the same part, I was put off by the author's use of 'real men'. I quote "I might be in my forties now, but a cold beer or several still appeals to me from time to time, that's for sure. And to sink them with some REAL MEN, the kind you find in the Night Ops Guards... well that's just perfection." Alphahole alert coming up!
Which leads me nicely onto the next point - see the bit in the sentence above about the Night Ops Guards? Get used to seeing it. I counted 27 instances of this phrase being used in the first 15%, and I probably missed some, as my eyes were too busy rolling. There is also the repetitive use of 'gruff', 'the son of a Night Ops Guard', and other phrases. Honestly, it just feels trite and flat, used more for word count than something meaningful between the two MCs.
I also didn't feel as though Cole was the best example of a Daddy, so I really hope that if anyone does pick up this book, they will have read other Daddy books first. There is a difference between being firm and being a jerk. Walking into someone's home, who doesn't know you, laying down the law, and telling them to put on "proper clothes" when they were enjoying Little Space, is a jerk of the first degree. There is more I could say, but I think I've said more than enough.
I was really looking forward to this book, reading about a group of military Daddies, saving the world one boy at a time. I was disappointed with what I got, and as such, I won't be recommending this book.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 2, 2025
You know when a blurb grabs you, like really grabs you, and you can't wait to read the book? That was this one for me. Well, it didn't turn out as I expected...
Okay, first things first. I was confused within the first couple of pages when Cole (Daddy MC) meets up with Hunter and gets arm-twisted into looking after Hunter's son, Richie (Little MC). Hunter? Who's that? The blurb says his name is Mitch! In the same part, I was put off by the author's use of 'real men'. I quote "I might be in my forties now, but a cold beer or several still appeals to me from time to time, that's for sure. And to sink them with some REAL MEN, the kind you find in the Night Ops Guards... well that's just perfection." Alphahole alert coming up!
Which leads me nicely onto the next point - see the bit in the sentence above about the Night Ops Guards? Get used to seeing it. I counted 27 instances of this phrase being used in the first 15%, and I probably missed some, as my eyes were too busy rolling. There is also the repetitive use of 'gruff', 'the son of a Night Ops Guard', and other phrases. Honestly, it just feels trite and flat, used more for word count than something meaningful between the two MCs.
I also didn't feel as though Cole was the best example of a Daddy, so I really hope that if anyone does pick up this book, they will have read other Daddy books first. There is a difference between being firm and being a jerk. Walking into someone's home, who doesn't know you, laying down the law, and telling them to put on "proper clothes" when they were enjoying Little Space, is a jerk of the first degree. There is more I could say, but I think I've said more than enough.
I was really looking forward to this book, reading about a group of military Daddies, saving the world one boy at a time. I was disappointed with what I got, and as such, I won't be recommending this book.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 2, 2025
Merissa (13696 KP) rated Finding Harbor (The Long Shadow Series #3) in Books
Nov 21, 2025
FINDING HARBOR is the third book in The Long Shadow series, and I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the other two.
The first half of the book is fairly fast-paced as Patrick lands on the shores of St. Ann's, a small village in the middle of nowhere, for a deal that was a scam. He doesn't have enough money on him for a return ticket and is unsure of what to do. Angus is the local giant who seems to have everyone's respect. Patrick asks for a job, Angus gives him not only that but a place to live too. They kiss. Everything's tickety-boo.
BUT then comes the second half which, for me, felt a little off in the pacing. It also felt a little repetitive. During this time, I didn't really feel anything significant between the two men, beyond a push/pull situation where nothing seemed resolved.
You see, Patrick goes to The Rusty Anchor, against Angus' advice, and gets into a situation where Angus rescues him. Angus literally carries him out, making a statement to the town. Then they drift apart. Preacher comes to town, making everyone question the morality of Angus and Patrick living together. Sailors come to the store and cause trouble, Angus deals with them, Patrick and Angus drift apart. Mary goes into a three-day labour, Patrick and Angus help, then they drift apart. Angus saves Patrick from runaway horses and carries him home, once again making a statement to the town.
Overall, this is a low steam story that I enjoyed. I'm struggling to say whether or not it's high angst or medium. There are also lots of things left open, so I'm unsure if they're in other books or if this is their story done with. There is no obvious cliffhanger or HEA, but more of a HFN. Considering the time of the story, that isn't really a surprise.
I do think that this story would be better read as part of the series, simply because I am unsure of how much I have missed by not having read the others. I am sure this book will be popular and have no hesitation in recommending it to readers of this author.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025
The first half of the book is fairly fast-paced as Patrick lands on the shores of St. Ann's, a small village in the middle of nowhere, for a deal that was a scam. He doesn't have enough money on him for a return ticket and is unsure of what to do. Angus is the local giant who seems to have everyone's respect. Patrick asks for a job, Angus gives him not only that but a place to live too. They kiss. Everything's tickety-boo.
BUT then comes the second half which, for me, felt a little off in the pacing. It also felt a little repetitive. During this time, I didn't really feel anything significant between the two men, beyond a push/pull situation where nothing seemed resolved.
You see, Patrick goes to The Rusty Anchor, against Angus' advice, and gets into a situation where Angus rescues him. Angus literally carries him out, making a statement to the town. Then they drift apart. Preacher comes to town, making everyone question the morality of Angus and Patrick living together. Sailors come to the store and cause trouble, Angus deals with them, Patrick and Angus drift apart. Mary goes into a three-day labour, Patrick and Angus help, then they drift apart. Angus saves Patrick from runaway horses and carries him home, once again making a statement to the town.
Overall, this is a low steam story that I enjoyed. I'm struggling to say whether or not it's high angst or medium. There are also lots of things left open, so I'm unsure if they're in other books or if this is their story done with. There is no obvious cliffhanger or HEA, but more of a HFN. Considering the time of the story, that isn't really a surprise.
I do think that this story would be better read as part of the series, simply because I am unsure of how much I have missed by not having read the others. I am sure this book will be popular and have no hesitation in recommending it to readers of this author.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Language of Secrets in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Justin Fisher was just an ordinary guy—he was a manager of a hotel, married with a son, and a great future ahead of him. But he decides that he must go back to his home, because he hasn’t spoken with his family in years.
When he arrives, his parents are dead—and his gravestone is beside theirs.
Justin embarks on an amazing terrifying journey of mystery, self discovery, and secrets to try to fix his broken past—or at least figure out who he is.
The Language of Secrets was powerful, ironic, and profound. I was instantly swept away by Dixon’s prose and illustrations. My jaw literally dropped as I read the opening paragraphs, the writing was so fluid and descriptive. It was all written in third person, but switched perspectives every few chapters.
Near the middle I felt like I was in the middle of two separate stories, and I wasn’t sure how they connected, but I knew they did because they were about the same characters. Watching the story unfold in almost a mystery-novel way was incredible: it was a complex series of events woven together expertly so that you can’t even find the seams.
I loved the ending. The Language of Secrets finishes up the story, concludes it, leaves you satisfied, and then throws something at you in the very last paragraph of the very last chapter that you didn’t expect. It sent my eyebrows to the ceiling and my jaw to the floor. I think my eyeballs are still rolling around on the ground somewhere.
The Language of Secrets was amazing—it’s staying on my shelf for a definite re-read.
Content: medium language, some violence, mention of sex but no details, mention of rape but no details.
Recommendation: Ages 16+
When he arrives, his parents are dead—and his gravestone is beside theirs.
Justin embarks on an amazing terrifying journey of mystery, self discovery, and secrets to try to fix his broken past—or at least figure out who he is.
The Language of Secrets was powerful, ironic, and profound. I was instantly swept away by Dixon’s prose and illustrations. My jaw literally dropped as I read the opening paragraphs, the writing was so fluid and descriptive. It was all written in third person, but switched perspectives every few chapters.
Near the middle I felt like I was in the middle of two separate stories, and I wasn’t sure how they connected, but I knew they did because they were about the same characters. Watching the story unfold in almost a mystery-novel way was incredible: it was a complex series of events woven together expertly so that you can’t even find the seams.
I loved the ending. The Language of Secrets finishes up the story, concludes it, leaves you satisfied, and then throws something at you in the very last paragraph of the very last chapter that you didn’t expect. It sent my eyebrows to the ceiling and my jaw to the floor. I think my eyeballs are still rolling around on the ground somewhere.
The Language of Secrets was amazing—it’s staying on my shelf for a definite re-read.
Content: medium language, some violence, mention of sex but no details, mention of rape but no details.
Recommendation: Ages 16+
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Demeter Code in Books
May 10, 2018
3.5 stars
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Ridley Fox and Dr. Nita Parris are two of the CIAs best operatives. They travel the world eliminating the bad guys. When they are given an assignment that doesn't turn out as planned, their whole world is turned inside out and upside down. Then the mission gets changed and Fox and Parris are sent in different directions. This book has enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
After reading the description of this book, I was very excited to read it. I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. The Demeter Code captured me from page one. The first scene is set in Washington DC and when books are set close to home, I always am intrigued. The book had a really great start and lots of action to keep my attention. A little over half way through it started to slow down a bit for me. It got more technical and I found myself reading the words without actually absorbing what it was I was reading. That happened a couple of times which made me drop my rating from 4 to 3.5 stars. This is the third book in the series, the first two being [b:Pandora's Succession|11435761|Pandora's Succession|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347515371s/11435761.jpg|14368142] and [b:Unsavory Delicacies|10997415|Unsavory Delicacies|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396737765s/10997415.jpg|40898431]. I will be going back to read these books as well as his standalone [b:Chill Run|13152361|Chill Run |Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328327623s/13152361.jpg|40898429] and I look forward to whatever he has coming in the future.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
Ridley Fox and Dr. Nita Parris are two of the CIAs best operatives. They travel the world eliminating the bad guys. When they are given an assignment that doesn't turn out as planned, their whole world is turned inside out and upside down. Then the mission gets changed and Fox and Parris are sent in different directions. This book has enough twists and turns to give you whiplash.
After reading the description of this book, I was very excited to read it. I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. The Demeter Code captured me from page one. The first scene is set in Washington DC and when books are set close to home, I always am intrigued. The book had a really great start and lots of action to keep my attention. A little over half way through it started to slow down a bit for me. It got more technical and I found myself reading the words without actually absorbing what it was I was reading. That happened a couple of times which made me drop my rating from 4 to 3.5 stars. This is the third book in the series, the first two being [b:Pandora's Succession|11435761|Pandora's Succession|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347515371s/11435761.jpg|14368142] and [b:Unsavory Delicacies|10997415|Unsavory Delicacies|Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396737765s/10997415.jpg|40898431]. I will be going back to read these books as well as his standalone [b:Chill Run|13152361|Chill Run |Russell Brooks|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328327623s/13152361.jpg|40898429] and I look forward to whatever he has coming in the future.
Merissa (13696 KP) rated Outliers (The Outliers #1) in Books
Apr 6, 2018
Outliers (The Outliers #1) by Kate L. Mary
Outliers is the first in a new dystopian series, where society is split into three separate groups with self-explanatory names. Indra works in the city, for one of the Sovereigns. She is quiet and does her work, trying to blend in as much as possible. To get home, she needs to walk the gauntlet through the Fortis village, before eventually reaching her own Outliers village. There is a love interest in her village called Bodhi, and a Fortis guard who you are not sure of, called Asa. These three, plus other characters, drive the book towards the unknown, the horrible, the shameful, and the hopeful.
This world is so well built and structured, everything fits perfectly. Outliers definitely have the shortest straw, and yet I want to learn more about the Fortis too. Asa is such a good representative of them, although there are some bad ones too! I was a bit worried this may turn into a love triangle, but instead, it was eloquently written in such a way that I never felt any of the usual exasperation where triangles are concerned. With a rich and in-depth storyline, this world did not want to let go, and I am highly anticipating the next release. I could talk about the story some more, but I know I wouldn't do it any justice.
An excellent dystopian story, full of detail, and wonderful characters. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This world is so well built and structured, everything fits perfectly. Outliers definitely have the shortest straw, and yet I want to learn more about the Fortis too. Asa is such a good representative of them, although there are some bad ones too! I was a bit worried this may turn into a love triangle, but instead, it was eloquently written in such a way that I never felt any of the usual exasperation where triangles are concerned. With a rich and in-depth storyline, this world did not want to let go, and I am highly anticipating the next release. I could talk about the story some more, but I know I wouldn't do it any justice.
An excellent dystopian story, full of detail, and wonderful characters. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!